Mark Drewelow, founder of YachtAid Global got creative in raising funds for disaster relief by launching website http://onefor4.org on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2013, instantly quadrupling donations by partnering with a second relief organisation who also matched donations.

On 8 November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines, claiming thousands of lives and affecting over ten million people. In response, YachtAid Global (YAG) and Remote Medical International (RMI) worked together to quadruple funds received through each company’s matching donation campaigns.

After matching the donations raised through YachtAid Global, the company transferred $6K+ to the RMI Typhoon Relief Fund. Remote Medical International then matched their total for a final donation of over $20K to Team Rubicon, a veteran-based disaster relief organisation providing fast action medical response to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

Kirk Jackson of Team Rubicon said, “Our volunteers bridge the gap between the point at which a disaster strikes and the time it takes larger aid organizations to get fully operational on the ground.”

By 21 November 2013 Team Rubicon deployed 65 volunteers to conduct assessments, to provide medical assistance, and to support relief distribution operations in the Philippines. From delivering babies in Tanauan to stabilising a field hospital in Carigara, 100% of the RMI & YAG donations assisted Team Rubicon in providing immediate and effective aid in the Philippines’ most devastated areas.

Kate Earle, medical coordination specialist at RMI said, “RMI specialises in remote medicine for unconventional environments worldwide. A natural disaster of this magnitude - particularly in an area like the Central Philippines which is geographically remote with limited infrastructure post-typhoon, requires universal support, and we strongly believe in being of service to the global community.”

In addition to a monetary donation, RMI also shipped over $6K of medical supplies including medications for pain control, anesthesia, and antibiotics. Brian Vincent CEO of RMI said, “Our hearts and thoughts go out to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan, and, we commend all first responders for their courageous service.”

Mark Drewelow, founder of YachtAid Global added, “YachtAid Global is proud to be able to be able to assist quickly and efficiently with aid to the disaster area via the newly created “onefor4.org” program. When we can’t get yachts to a location fast enough, this is the next best way we can help as a humanitarian organisation.”